You might need to save for years to afford bucket-list trips to far-flung locations, but a beach trip doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The US is full of great affordable beach vacations — and there are plenty more nearby in the Caribbean.
The best affordable beach vacations: where to go on a budget
The best cheap beach vacations in the US
Considering flight and hotel rates, plus cost-of-living analysis to ensure your vacation budget stretches throughout your trip, here are some of the top affordable beach vacations in the US to visit this summer.
1. Jacksonville, North Carolina
Florida isn’t the only state with its own Jacksonville: Tucked just behind the Atlantic Ocean along the New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina is less than an hour from several popular Carolina beaches. Topsail Beach is my personal favorite and is just 45 minutes away. But if you’re itching for a dose of sand and vitamin sea ASAP other excellent beaches are even closer.
An affordable beach vacation for families, Jacksonville is home to plenty of activities for kids, including bowling, roller skating, arcades, and indoor play centers. There’s even a children’s museum here.
Adults may be more interested in axe throwing, the nearby Camp Lejeune Memorial Gardens and Freedom Fountain or local pubs, where costs are about 25% less than the national average. Your vacation dollars will stretch far here, maximizing family budgets.
The average for a hotel stay during the week in Jacksonville is just $131 (and $139 on weekends), making it an ideal cheap beach vacation.
2. Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Bay, Florida is almost always sunny and warm, making it ideal for affordable beach vacations, even in winter. This Atlantic Coast destination also is about hour from attractions like Walt Disney World and Cape Canaveral, giving Disney and NASA fans easy opportunities for day trips. Palm Bay itself is known for its many parks and gardens, ideal for free outdoor activities like cycling, jogging and walking.
The cost of living here is far below the national average, especially when it comes to eating out, which is perfect for vacationing in style without breaking the bank. Even waterfront dining at local favorites like Lazy Turtle RiverFront which offers fresh seafood with a view for less than you’d expect.
Palm Bay is sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by Merritt Island, offering instant access to the Indian River (actually a lagoon), and many top ocean beaches are close by.
You can find stays in Palm Bay for around $152 on the weekend (which is even a few dollars cheaper than during the week).
3. Hot Springs, South Dakota
While Arkansas may be more well known for these natural waters, South Dakota’s Hot Springs overflows with water activities (including sandy beaches) and is nestled among multiple national parks, forests and grasslands. The otherworldly Badlands National Park is just over an hour away. Meanwhile, Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park are much closer, as are plenty more natural wonders.
Within Hot Springs, the Mammoth Site is a top draw. Here you’ll find an active palaeontology dig that has unearthed more than 60 Ice Age mammoths, along with dozens of other species. At Angostura State Recreation Area, you’ll find sandy beaches and spectacular views, plus plenty of water activities, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking.
You can find stays in Hot Springs for around $166. If you stay midweek, you can take advantage of significant savings, as hotels average $123 during weeknights.
4. Gardena, California
For proximity to top California beaches without top dollar prices, you won’t do much better than Gardena, California. Under 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, Gardena is roughly the same distance from Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Long Beach, giving you plenty of options for switching up the scenery during your affordable beach vacation in SoCal.
If you’re up for driving farther, you can even reach Huntington Beach and Balboa (plus everything along the way) in less than an hour, depending on traffic. Popular Gardena activities include visiting nearby hotspots like Hollywood, but Gardena itself is home to several inexpensive restaurants, as well as the Eureka Brewing Company for affordable pints and eats. This one is really for the ultimate beach lover, though, as local activity options run slimmer.
Staying a bit farther inland means you can find stays in Gardena for around $156 on weekends and $128 during the week.
5. Sunrise, Florida
Miami Beach will never be found on a list of cheap beach vacations. But you can still take advantage of South Florida on a budget by staying in nearby Sunrise. Less than an hour from Miami Beach, Sunrise lets you easily drop in for a day of shopping, people watching and sunning. You can also stay past sunset to soak up the city’s famous nightlife if that’s on your to-do list.
For quicker beach access, head to neighboring Fort Lauderdale to reach plenty of South Florida stunners in half the driving time.
The cost of living in Sunrise is considerably less than in either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. That can offer some extra wiggle room to splurge at the massive outlet mall or on tickets to an event at Amerant Bank Arena, the largest indoor arena in Florida.
You can find stays in Sunrise for around $272 during the weekends and $259 during the week.
6. Grayling, Michigan
Almost entirely surrounded by the Great Lakes, Michigan is home to lake life at its finest. Grayling is about an hour from the closest access point to these gargantuan bodies of water, which are easily accessible (and worth it for first-time visitors).
Grayling also is also only 15 minutes from Higgins Lake, which is surrounded by two state parks and boasts swimming beaches with sandy shorelines, plus plenty of water activities. Within Grayling you’ll find quaint local bakeries, breweries and AuSable Artisan Village, which is home to a performing arts center, gallery and studios, art classes and shopping.
You can find hotel stays in Grayling for around $95 on the weekend and $91 during the week.
7. Port Lavaca, Texas
Port Lavaca, Texas, connects to the Gulf of Mexico through a small series of bays off Texas’s southern shoreline. The result: a saltwater fishing paradise that includes a marina, several piers and, of course, beaches.
There are a handful of enjoyable beaches within Port Lavaca itself. But within an hour are regional favorites like Rockport Beach, as well as unique offerings like the beach at Matagorda Bay Nature Park. Besides fishing, you’ll also find a tourable lighthouse, a local history museum, and numerous affordable seafood restaurants right in town.
You can find stays in Port Lavaca for around $114 during weekends (and just $91 during the week), making it an ideal affordable beach vacation.
8. Slidell, Louisiana
Only 30 minutes from the action of vibrant New Orleans, Northshore Beach in Slidell, Louisiana, is perfect for budget-conscious adults looking for a beach vacation with plenty of 21+ activities nearby. The year-round roster of festivals and parades in New Orleans bring non-stop entertainment. Meanwhile, Northshore Beach offers a serene expanse of sand and sun just across Lake Pontchartrain.
Despite its proximity to so much raucous fun, it’s far quieter in Slidell. The beach has free daily access and Slidell is also home to the state’s Louisiana Welcome Center.
You can find stays in Slidell for around $133 on weekends – far cheaper than their equivalent in Nola. Meanwhile, the cost of living in this region is just below the national average, so daily expenses should remain on the lower side.
Affordable beach vacations outside the US
If you’re craving a budget-friendly beach vacation a bit farther afield, the Caribbean and Central America beckon with world-class options. Here, some inspiration for your next cheap beach vacation outside the US.
9. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Having the Caribbean Sea so close to the US means tropical vacations can be surpisingly affordable – if you pick the right destination. If you have a little extra cash in the vacation fund, it can go a long way in Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic.
The capital of Punta Cana is renowned for its beaches and bustling party vibe, but it’s not the only city in the DR. Head northwest to Puerto Plata instead, where nearly 80 miles of picture-perfect beaches include the country’s top beach, Playa Dorada (Golden Beach).
Puerto Plata was the original destination in DR, which means there’s more history and local culture here than in newer, resort-heavy Punta Cana. In addition, hotel rates are often considerably lower.
You can find stays in Puerto Plata for about $261 on weekends, which is considerably cheaper than the weekday average of $299.
10. Panama City, Panama
Panama City is a vibrant Central American destination with a cost of living low enough to balance the flight costs. While there’s luxury to be found, as the city is the financial hub of Central America, you can still dine and shop well here for far less than in most US cities.
Panama City offers all the amenities of an urban getaway alongside charming beaches within the city limits. If you rent a car, you’ll also have access to many other breathtaking shorelines around the country. You can find stays in Panama City for around $147.08.
Pro tips for booking a cheap beach vacation
In addition to choosing the right destination for an affordable beach vacation, you can also use some other money-saving tips and tricks to stretch your budget.
First of all, consider traveling during shoulder seasons, including winter, late spring or early fall, when prices haven’t yet hit their peak. In addition, understanding the best time to book a hotel, based on the latest data, can turn up some serious deals.
Same goes for airfare. Knowing when flights are cheapest (as well as some insider tips on how to get cheap last-minute flights) also can help maximize savings. For more savings, book your hotel and flight together; bundling them often means lower prices.
Bringing a beach-loving travel buddy (or two!) can also help you save big. You can share hotel costs, and if you book apartment-style rentals, you can save further by cooking meals instead of eating out. And keep in mind the motels-versus-hotels costs and how they affect your budget.
How to save while you’re traveling
Once you’re in your destination, remain mindful of ways you can keep costs down. Check out the websites for local tourism boards for free or low-cost events such as festivals. Walk or use public transit whenever possible. And stock up on essentials like sunscreens and snacks at local grocery stores or drug stores instead of souvenir shops, where they will inevitably cost more.
Affordable beach vacations FAQ
Still have questions about how to plan the most budget-friendly beach trip possible? We have you covered. Read on for our experts answers.
Jacksonville, North Carolina; Sunrise, Florida, and Port Lavaca, Texas consistently offer low hotel rates and family-friendly beach access.
Absolutely. A few of our favorites in on the Atlantic Coast include Palm Bay and Sunrise. Both offer warm weather and easy beach access at lower rates than Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Book during the offseason and during the week, consider bundling your hotel and flight and be sure to use handy KAYAK features like KAYAK Explore. You’ll not only find data-driven inspiration on where to go for a cheap beach vacation, you can enjoy significant savings through Price Alerts.
Jacksonville, North Carolina; Slidell, Louisiana; and Palm Bay, Florida have lower-priced hotels, plenty of free or low-cost entertainment options and calm waters for little swimmers.
Avoid peak summer travel and other popular travel times like Spring Break and the winter holidays. Late spring and early fall often offer warm temps and lower prices. Winter, post holidays, also can be a great time to plan a cheap beach vacation.
Note: Prices are accurate at the time of writing (June 2025) and are subject to change.
